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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is MRI Done Without Contrast Non Conclusive?

I am very allergic to iodine based contrast dye for CT scans and I am scheduled for a brain MRI with gadolinium contrast. I am extremely hesitant to consent to the contrast dye due to the myriad of other allergies (drugs and other chemicals). If I refuse the contrast will the MRI be totally useless as a diagnostic tool or will it be usable?
Wed, 12 Nov 2014
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Radiologist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for writing in.

MRI contrast is required only for a detailed analysis of a certain problem. It should be done carefully in patients with kidney disease or drug allergy and only when strongly indicated after doing plain scan. Doing plain MRI brain scan is best for you initially and this can tell if a contrast is needed. The use of contrast when done carefully, can be used even in patients with drug allergy and the MRI performing staff is ready should you have any problems after contrast injection. A test dose is given in many places to be certain that it will not cause any adverse reactions. Plain MRI brain scan is not a waste or an useless investigation. A lot of information about your brain can be known by doing plain just a plain MRI brain scan.
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Is MRI Done Without Contrast Non Conclusive?

Hi, Thanks for writing in. MRI contrast is required only for a detailed analysis of a certain problem. It should be done carefully in patients with kidney disease or drug allergy and only when strongly indicated after doing plain scan. Doing plain MRI brain scan is best for you initially and this can tell if a contrast is needed. The use of contrast when done carefully, can be used even in patients with drug allergy and the MRI performing staff is ready should you have any problems after contrast injection. A test dose is given in many places to be certain that it will not cause any adverse reactions. Plain MRI brain scan is not a waste or an useless investigation. A lot of information about your brain can be known by doing plain just a plain MRI brain scan.